Lexington declared a local state of emergency Friday to prepare for this weekend’s winter storm.
All 120 of Kentucky’s counties are under a winter storm warning from Saturday to Monday morning, according to the National Weather Service.
In Lexington, more than 12 inches of snow could accumulate. City officials say emergency departments are fully staffed and on standby in the meantime.
Director of Emergency Management Rob Larkin said to make sure to stock up on essentials before the storm hits.
“There is still time to prepare. Ensure your family has enough food, water, medications, medical supplies and medical supplies to last at least 96 hours, that’s four days,” he said. “And that is post-storm, so add another 30-to-36 hours to that 96.”
Officials say to avoid traveling and using roads as much as possible. If travel is necessary, keep an emergency kit including gasoline, water, snacks and blankets.
Lexington’s Streets and Roads Director Rob Allen said it could take until Tuesday for most roads to be cleared. He also asked residents to not park along emergency routes.
“Stay home. I'll be blunt. Don't get out. Don't put the operators, public safety, police and fire, especially at risk. You can stay home and let us work,” Allen said.
Lexington’s sheriff’s office is offering to deliver prescriptions and drive those without electricity to shelters. The fire department is also fully staffed for emergency situations.
The fire department also recommends clearing snow away from furnace, dryer or generator vents to prevent carbon monoxide buildup. They also recommend not using grills inside, not using ovens as heaters and not using gas generators indoors. They also recommend shoveling any snow in small increments only to reduce risk of cardiac arrest.
“Get out there more frequently for just a few minutes at a time, and work to clear that snow away if you can take as many breaks as possible and hydrate. And then stop if you feel chest pain, dizziness or shortness of breath,” said fire chief Jason Wells.
Utilities recommend keeping any faucets on a drip and leaving cabinets open to keep pipes from freezing, and to locate your water valve in case a pipe bursts.
In case of emergencies, call 911. For non-emergency situations, call 859-258-3600.
Lexington’s plan to house unsheltered
The city’s Office of Homelessness Prevention and Intervention is also ensuring those experiencing homelessness are sheltered. Commissioner Housing Advocacy and Community Development Charlie Lanter says street outreach teams have been working all week.
“Working with other partners that do this, we kind of know where a lot of folks are. We make those contacts. If they're not there, we leave information. We leave information about what's coming so that they know, and then they facilitate access to shelters,” Lanter said.
The seasonal winter shelter off Versailles Road is nearing capacity and permanent shelters are expected to fill up during the storm. The office is partnering with the Catholic Action Center for extra beds, which will open doors at noon Saturday.
Outreach teams are available at 859-551-8053 or 859-556-1870, or via email at outreach@hopectr.org for those in need of shelter. Information on shelters in Lexington and how to contact them are available here.
